Profile of the dept. or college (Not required) Insert Name Here: Materials Science Engineering
The Opportunity
A postdoctoral position is available in computational and theoretical materials science in the Materials Theory, Informatics, and Design Group, led by Professor Liping Yu in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Central Florida. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in several emerging areas, including first-principles design and discovery of advance materials for quantum and energy applications, prediction of materials synthesizability, defect physics in semiconductors, and the development of advanced AI methods for materials science.
Applicants should have a strong background in computational materials science, condensed matter physics, or a related field, with experience in first-principles calculations and/or machine learning for materials research being highly desirable.
For additional information about this position, please contact Professor Liping Yu at [email protected].
Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, or materials science;
Preferred Qualifications:
At least five years (including PhD thesis research) of experience in DFT-based first-principles calculations. Strong written and oral communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Solid state physics; thermodynamics and kinetics; Python coding and machine learning skills.
Additional Application Materials Required:
Special Instructions to the Applicants:
The Ph.D. must be conferred before the commencement of employment in the Postdoctoral Scholar position at the University of Central Florida.
Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?
As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.
Are Benefits Important to You?
State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state’s benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First. OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.
Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.
Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:
Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.
The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.
Department
College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) - Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)Work Schedule
Monday through Friday8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Type of Appointment
Fixed Term (Fixed Term)Expected Salary
$57,000.00The University of Central Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.
UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.
If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email [email protected].
For general application or posting questions, please email [email protected].
Skills Required
- Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, or materials science
- Ph.D. must be conferred before employment begins
- At least five years (including PhD research) of experience in DFT-based first-principles calculations
- Experience in first-principles calculations and/or machine learning for materials research
- Python coding skills
- Machine learning skills
- Solid state physics, thermodynamics, and kinetics knowledge
- Strong written and oral communication and ability to work independently and collaboratively
University of Central Florida Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about University of Central Florida and has not been reviewed or approved by University of Central Florida.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is provided through the State of Florida Group Insurance Program, including medical, dental, vision, basic life, and optional supplemental plans administered via People First. Enrollment timing is clearly defined for new hires, with coverage able to start as soon as the month after hire.
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Retirement Support — Retirement options include the FRS Pension Plan, FRS Investment Plan, and the State University System Optional Retirement Program for eligible roles, plus voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Reemployment rules and continuation of health/life coverage in retirement are also outlined.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Nine paid holidays are recognized annually, with the possibility of additional paid personal leave days at the President’s discretion, and certain employees receive a personal holiday each year. Faculty also have access to leave programs such as sabbaticals and professional development leave.
University of Central Florida Insights
What We Do
Founded in 1963 to provide talent for Central Florida and the growing U.S. space program, UCF has been making an impact on the state, the nation — and outer space — ever since. With 13 colleges and more than 230 degree programs, your passion lies at one of our campus locations designed to help you succeed. From the main campus in east Orlando to UCF Downtown and Rosen College of Hospitality Management to the Academic Health Sciences Campus, you’ll have the opportunity to learn in the heart of your industry. UCF also has multiple regional locations and fully online programs — including online bachelor’s degrees, online graduate degrees, online certificates and more — to ensure that you can achieve your dreams whenever and wherever you want. Being part of the UCF alumni family means... being a community. A group of people who have a UCF experience, who care about the university and who want to stay connected to it. Being the voice of UCF alumni. Upholding and creating the traditions of UCF. We began with 423, and now we are over 340,000 strong. Our UCF experience has altered us. It has stuck with us. It has changed us. We engage the world with spirit and pride. We are passionate. We are enthusiastic. We are dedicated. We inform, educate and inspire. We embrace our inner Knights. We love our alma mater. We bleed black and gold. We are UCF.




